U.S. FDA extends its deeming deadlines another 90 days

The vapor industry has been given the gift of time from the cigar industry. Yesterday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it is extending and deferring enforcement of all future compliance deadlines under its controversial deeming rule for 90 days.

The three-month extension applies only to deadlines set for May 10, 2017, or later, and includes all newly regulated tobacco products, including vapor. The extension is a result of a lawsuit against the FDA by three cigar industry lobbying groups: the Cigar Association of America, the Cigar Rights of America, and the International Premium Cigars and Pipe Retailers Association.

The June 30 deadline for manufacturers to register with the FDA has been moved to Sept. 29. The deadline for submitting labeling and ingredients has moved from Aug. 8 to Nov. 6.